Teacher cleared in threat case wants apology, job back
A Clayton County grand jury has declined to indict a teacher who lost his job after being accused of threatening to "put a hit" on a student.
Now Randolph Forde, 34, who taught special education at Mundy's Mill High School, says he wants an apology and his job back.
"I really believed in teaching -- I tried to help every single student," Forde told the AJC. "They made a mockery of everything I tried to do.
"I've been suffering every day for seven months," he added.
Wednesday's grand jury finding, that there was no probable cause to believe a crime occurred, came as a relief, Forde said.
Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson told the AJC that "the state presented all the material witnesses. The grand jurors listened to their testimony and apparently judged their credibility and returned a no-bill."
Forde was arrested last October on a charge of making terroristic threats and fired after an internal school system investigation. He said the 11th-grader made up accusations, including that Forde asked him whether he was gay and offered a classmate $50 to "put a hit" on the student.
Forde said the student was retaliating for an incident in which Forde pulled him out of class. Forde claimed the school system rushed its investigation and said publicity surrounding the case made it impossible for him to find another job.
School officials, however, indicated the grand jury decision won't affect Forde's job status.
"The matter regarding Randolph Forde’s employment with Clayton County Public Schools is closed," the school system said in a statement to the AJC. "Mr. Forde, like any other person, can apply for any position posted by the district."
Forde was in his second year at Mundy's Mill, in Jonesboro. The Sandy Springs resident said he previously worked for the New York State Education Department.
